Bio’s

Nici Holmes

Owner and senior piercer. Nici has over 18 years in the industry has worked in several accredited studios both home and abroad so she knows her stuff. Out of hours Nici likes to garden, walk her dog Neliel and play video games.

What do you feel you bring to the studio?

Experience and a keen eye, Im always changing things around, much to the annoyance of the others. Ive been piercing for over 18 years now, so expertise and experience too.

How have peoples attitudes to your appearance affected you?

I used to like getting jibes on the street for being different. I miss it sometimes. But to be honest, if someone is going to presume the worst about me because of the way I look…it saves me getting to know them and finding out the long way that they are judgemental.

What was the first piercing you received professionally?

My nipple, then just a few days later I got the other side done.

What was the first piercing you did during your training?

A nipple, on a guy. I was so nervous but it went well, much better than i expected. I was almost shaking

And…what’s your favourite piercing on your self?

My septum, it was my ‘apprenticeship’ test ill never take it out

What’s your favourite piercing to do?

At the moment Septums, I’ve just mastered a new technique doing them freehand and I’m finding them really fun again.

Where do you see the industry heading?

Being the founding member and now president of a national health and safety organisation, the UKAPP: I’m excited about the future. I see so much yearning for better standards and wider education available for all who seek it. So I hope the industry as a whole ‘digs in’ and creates something wonderful.

What are you watching/listening to at the moment?

I’ve just finished watching ‘Fringe’ its amazing. I miss having Walter in my life

Seb Pickersgill

Seb started in the shop long before his apprenticeship, having a keep spirit and warm personality: Nici always knew he was destined to pierce. Training began in 2012. During the summer you can often see him covered in bruises from riding his BMX

What do you feel you bring to the studio?

Ive been told I’m quite cheeky so I always try to put people at ease. I like figuring out new things and showing Nici a new way to do things.

How have peoples attitudes to your appearance affected you?

When I was younger it really bothered me, now I’m older I like showing people its OK to be different, in fact its quite nice!

What was the first piercing you received professionally?

My snakebites, from a local studio… it wasn’t a nice experience

What was the first piercing you did during your training?

It was Nici’s industrial. One day she just announced it was happening! It was nerve-wracking! but she still has it in today.

And…what’s your favourite piercing on your self?

My mandible, just because its gnarly!!

What’s your favourite piercing to do?

Bridge piercings. I don’t get to do many as they seem to be quite rare but they are fun to do!

Where do you see the industry heading?

It’s going to change a lot, all for the better hopefully! Things are going to be much safer for piercees!

What are you watching/listening to at the moment?

Amy Merrin

Being our shop manager, Amy keeps us all together. From the moment you walk through the door her winning smile will ease you through the piercing process. Her knowledge in aftercare and jewellery options is tough to beat.

What do you feel you bring to the studio?

I’m pretty organized – Seb and Nici get caught up in the hustle and bustle so they need an assistant. Imagine this place without me! I do all the stuff people can’t see!

How have peoples attitudes to your appearance affected you?

It hasn’t. The only person who’s opinion I really care about is my Mum’s and she still loves me so its all good!

What was the first piercing you received professionally?

My Navel. I was very young and not grown enough. I still have it, but only just. Not recommended!

And…what’s your favourite piercing on your self?

I have two for different reasons… My Medusa as its the one I’d feel most naked without, and my high nostrils as they are quite unusual and Ive been through a little journey with them!

What’s your favourite jewellery in the studio?

ALL THE FANCY STUFF! I love the set stone pieces we have from Neometal. Turquoise looks amazing

against peoples skin. I also love my Love Wood plugs, the feel and quality is amazing. Super comfy and they look great!

Where do you see the industry heading?

I hope to see professional piercers becoming more of a community and our clientele is starting to have a real appreciation for quality jewellery.

What are you watching/listening to at the moment?

I’ve just watched ‘What we do in the Shadows’, its a comedy about some rubbish vampires. Worth a watch.

What are you watching/listening to at the moment?

Adam Holmes

You may not of met our ‘stealth staff’ before. Adam does all the behind the scenes work on top of hand crafting our very own ‘Love Wood’ organic plugs and tunnels. He’s responsible for all our photography and trains in martial arts. He has a gammy leg.

What do you feel you bring to the studio?

I keep the serious stuff in check. Make sure we pay everyone’s wages, bills on time etc. I also make sure Nici doesn’t work herself to death!

How have peoples attitudes to your appearance affected you?

Honestly I have always been noticed for being tall, add to that tattooed and bearded I get a few looks. I don’t like it when people stare, its rude. But I don’t loose sleep over it.

What was the first piercing you received professionally?

I’m pretty sure it was my nipple but it could have been my eyebrow. Both done by Nici many, many years ago.

And…what’s your favourite piercing on your self?

At the moment I only have my lobes pierced, stretched currently to 26-28mm but on the rise! I have plans for a few more but not too many. I prefer tattoos and large lobes.

What’s your favourite jewellery in the studio?

Haha mine of course! Well, we do have lots of jewellery. So aside from mine I like the Gorilla Glass collection.

Where do you see the industry heading?

Into more strange and unusual jewellery’s and placements. I see wood and gold finally being realized in the UK